The CNMI Majors All-Stars pose for a photo with Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang during the Northern Marianas Sports Association’s send-off ceremony for Team Marianas at the Ada gym last week.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
THE CNMI Majors Team has advanced to the playoff round of the 2025 Little League Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Tournament after rallying past American Samoa, 9-6, Tuesday at Hwaseung Dream Park in South Korea.
It was an exciting game, as both teams were hungry to keep their championship hopes alive.
American Samoa started off aggressively, setting the pace with three runs in the top of the first inning. CNMI responded in the bottom half, as Elijah Babauta connected on an inside-the-park home run to put them on the board, 3-1.
CNMI’s defense stepped up over the next two innings, shutting down American Samoa while squeezing in two runs in the bottom of the third to tie the game at 3-3.
American Samoa regained the lead in the top of the fourth, but CNMI answered back in the bottom half. Damian Sablan hit a sacrifice fly that brought in a runner, giving CNMI its first lead of the day, 6-4.
American Samoa controlled the tempo for most of the game. However, the tables turned in the bottom of the fifth with a sudden rally by CNMI.
It began with a two-RBI triple from Lashawn Ada to tie the game, 6-6. Khoen Torres followed up with an RBI triple to give CNMI its first lead. Then Skyler Leon Guerrero and Denzel Kaipat each delivered RBI singles to stretch the lead to 9-6, before American Samoa could stop the bleeding.
American Samoa had one last chance to stay in the game but was shut down, as CNMI recorded the final three outs to seal the win and advance to the playoff round.
On Monday, CNMI defeated New Zealand, 16-6.
